An African safari transcends the boundaries of a traditional vacation experience. It’s a soul-stirring, bucket-list-level adventure that invites you to go wild for a while. But it’s a big trip to plan and there’s a lot to consider. Here are a few tips to help you get started and turn your travel dreams into a reality with Hilton Grand Vacations.

Identify Your Top Destinations

Africa is a massive continent with more than 50 countries — nine of which are renowned for world-class safaris. So let inspiration be your guide as you research where to go. Watch videos, read blogs and request free brochures from established tour companies like Tauck.         

From big-name national parks to smaller game reserves, there are several impressive destinations to consider for your journey.

   

• Kenya and Rwanda. Explore the sprawling savannas of Kenya’s Maasai Mara and encounter incredible animals such as elephants, lions, cheetahs and giraffes. Trek through the forested slopes of Rwanda’s mountains to find majestic gorillas.
• Northern Tanzania. The infinite plains of the world-famous Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater are stars of the show in Tanzania. Consider making the trip in February for a unique experience. It’s the start of the Great Migration’s calving season, when thousands of wildebeest and zebra are born.
• South Africa and Victoria Falls. Immerse yourself in South Africa’s wilderness and culture. Then visit Kruger National Park, Cape Town and Victoria Falls — one of the world’s largest waterfalls.

There’s also Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Uganda to consider for your trip. Imagine exploring the ancient dunes of the Namib Desert or embarking on a water-based tour of Botswana’s Okavango Delta.

Insider tip: During your safari research, you’ll see mentions of the “big five” in Africa. These include the lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhinoceros.

Choose Your Safari Experience

Each of Africa’s top safari destinations delivers its own blend of experiences and wildlife encounters. Consider the landscapes you want to see and the animals on your bucket list. Research different types of tours and make a shortlist of your favorites. Then select the safari that aligns with your interests and comfort level.

   

• Game drives. Call your seat in the 4x4 and buckle up for an unforgettable excursion. Game drives allow you to cover vast distances by day and night, so you can maximize your chances of seeing all the iconic animals on your list.
• Walking safaris. Get closer to the action and learn more about the land with every step. Guided walking safaris let you experience the wild wonders you encounter in a personal and immersive way.
• Photo safaris. Few places on earth are as picture perfect as Africa. The raw beauty and majestic wildlife are more than photo worthy. Some tour companies even offer special camera rigs on their vehicles to help ensure a steady lens.
• Horseback safaris. Like a walking safari, exploring the wild by horseback offers a new perspective for enjoying up-close animal encounters. The high vantage point is ideal for game viewing and the extra mobility can give you access to hard-to-reach areas.

Make Your Reservations

One of the top benefits of timeshare ownership with Hilton Grand Vacations is the ability to travel the way you want, when you want. Our points-based system allows you to use ClubPoints and Bonus Points to book a wide variety of unique experiences and travel services. You can also convert your ClubPoints to Hilton Honors™ points for even more flexibility when booking airfare and accommodations.

Plus, you don’t have to plan and book alone. Hilton Grand Vacations Members always have the support of dedicated Club Counselors. We can help you make reservations using points or a combination of points and cash.

Start Your Packing List

Packing is all part of the vacation-planning fun. But going on safari in another country requires a few important specifics.

• Layered, lightweight clothing. Casual, earth-toned clothes are often a top choice for safari adventures. Key items include safari shirts, convertible pants, a zip-up waterproof jacket and swimwear. For night expeditions, having a long-sleeve option can help you keep warm and avoid mosquito bites. Comfortable footwear like hiking boots or trail runners is also a must.
• Essential gear and accessories. Sunscreen, moisturizer, bug spray, sunglasses, binoculars, travel adapter, broad-rim hat and, of course, your camera.
• Travel documents. Since this is an international trip, remember to secure your required documentation well in advance. You can also read up on important topics such as vaccinations and visas.

Check out “10 Ways To Use Your Hilton Grand Vacations ClubPoints” for more incredible vacation ideas and to learn more about how timeshare can transform the way you see the world.